Organizers gear up for Hambletonian Marathon

Opportunities are open to support race, to be held Oct. 19 in Goshen

Photos

Organizers of the upcoming Hambletonian Marathon and Good Time Trotters Relay, Kathleen Rifkin, Rob Dickover and Richard D'Ambrosio relax after speaking to members of the Goshen Chamber of Commerce. (Photo by Geri Corey)

“There’s always a need for volunteers, and we need a sizeable number."Rob Dickover

By Geri Corey

GOSHEN — Word is getting out among racers: the Hambletonian Marathon in Goshen is a challenge and a great marathon experience, said Richard D’Ambrosio, marketing manager of the Hambletonian Marathon committee, at the latest Goshen Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Marathon organizers, Kathleen Rifkin, Rob Dickover, and D’Ambrosio, attended the June breakfast meeting to talk about the second annual marathon, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 19.

The first year’s marathon was a great success, with 640 entries enduring the 26.2 miles of flatlands and hills running on the streets in the towns and villages of Goshen and Chester, and the towns of Wawayanda and Hamptonburgh.

Of that, 256 participants finished the race along with 128 three-person relay teams, totaling 640 racers. This year, organizers are hoping for 300 entries in the marathon and 200 three-person relay teams, said Rifkin.

“There’s always a need for volunteers, and we need a sizeable number,” said Dickover.

Since the streets aren’t closed to traffic, two course marshals are needed per corner to direct traffic and runners. Additionally, volunteers are needed to register runners, distribute tee shirts, attend relay exchange areas, welcome runners at the finish line, and man the water stops.

“Last year the community really came out for this event. Main Street was filled with people,” Dickover said. “Everyone was very supportive.”

Runners, their families and friends coming to Goshen for the race, and frequenting restaurants, staying in local motels, and buying gas, brought business to the downtown business district last year. Dickover noted the positive impact is sure to continue into future years.

In 2013, $15,000 was donated to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley, $9,000 to the Orange County Citizens Foundation for improvements to Heritage Trail, and along with some “thank you” donations, the marathon earned $27,000 for its inaugural year.

To financially support the race or to learn more about sponsorship packages go online to www.hambletonianmarathon.com. Mail contributions to Hambletonian Marathon, 55 North St., Middleton, NY 10940.

The race starts on Lawyer’s Row at 8 a.m. and takes runners through parts of Goshen, Hamptonburgh, Wawayanda, Middletown and Chester, on the Heritage Trail, and finishes back in Goshen at the Goshen Historic Track. The three-person relay distances are 11.5, 9.8, and 4.9 miles respectively.